Bosnia’s election commission fines SNSD for hate speech by Milorad Dodik

CEC member Suad Arnautovic described Dodik’s remarks as “scandalous, dehumanising, fascist, xenophobic, and racist,” stressing that such public expressions are strictly prohibited under Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Election Law. He said the speech encouraged hatred, discrimination, and potential violence against an ethnic group on the basis of nationality, religion, and other personal traits.

“This rhetoric spreads fear and hostility and targets intolerance toward another religious community,” Arnautovic said. “It reflects strong aversion, hatred, and an unfounded fear of what is different from one’s own cultural or ethnic group. These statements fuel division and incite discrimination and violence through public hate speech. No public actor, especially politicians, may speak offensively about members of another faith, colour, gender, race, or social status.”

He added that genocide does not unfold suddenly and that its roots lie in rallies, speeches, and calls grounded in fascist ideas that certain groups cannot live alongside one another.

Arnautovic argued that institutions, including the CEC, have a responsibility to strictly enforce the Election Law. He said SNSD must face the strongest sanctions because Dodik, whose official duties ceased following a final court ruling, appeared and delivered an inflammatory speech on behalf of the party.

The proposal to fine SNSD 30,000 marks passed with five votes in favour and two against.